Mounting structure for a mirror assembly

ABSTRACT

A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/700,191, filed on Apr. 11, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/822,860, filed on Aug. 10, 2015 which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/928,524, filed onDec. 13, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,105,202, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,186, filed on Apr. 16, 2009, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,853,414, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/047,243, filed Mar. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.7,805,260, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/563,119, filed Nov. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No.8,099,247, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/794,209, filed Apr. 21, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No.60/739,399, filed Nov. 23, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/739,156, filed Nov. 23, 2005, the disclosures of which are allexpressly incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/425,186, filed on Apr. 16, 2009 also claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/045,529, filed on Apr. 16, 2008. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/700,191 titled “MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR AMIRROR ASSEMBLY,” is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain mirror assemblies include integrated electrical components, suchas televisions, light sources, defogger assemblies, etc. The mirrorassembly normally includes a mirror reversibly affixed to a chassis,wherein the chassis is suitably designed to be mounted to a wall. Theelectrical components are either secured within the chassis or mountedto the back of the mirror. This arrangement is a convenient space savingdevice as it embeds the electrical components into the existing spaceoccupied by a mirror.

The mirror is typically secured to the chassis through a plurality ofmounting brackets disposed on the outer edge of the chassis. Themounting brackets are adapted to engage a portion of the mirror, such asthe mirror frame. The mounting brackets are permanently orsemi-permanently secured to the mirror frame with fasteners, adhesive,etc.

Mounting the mirror to the chassis in this manner has several drawbacks.For instance, it is often difficult to properly align the mirror on thechassis when securing the mounting brackets thereto. This can lead toincreased installation time and costs. The exposed mounting brackets arealso unsightly to someone looking at the mirror assembly from the side.

Moreover, permanently or semi-permanently securing the mounting bracketsbetween the chassis and mirror causes problems when mounting the mirrorassembly to the wall and when disassembling the mirror. To mount themirror assembly to the wall, the chassis must first be secured to themirror, and the mirror assembly is thereafter secured to the wall W.Securing the entire mirror assembly to the wall is cumbersome anddifficult. Moreover, to disassemble the mirror assembly, the entiremirror assembly must be removed from the wall.

Thus, it is desired to have a mirror mounting assembly that allows themirror to be secured to the chassis in an easy, aesthetically pleasing,reliable manner.

SUMMARY

A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform havinga front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirrorplatform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electricalcomponent disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mountingstructure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted toone of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and ahanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirrorplatform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable onthe support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thepresent disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference tothe following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structureconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structureconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structureconstructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 4:

FIG. 7 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structureconstructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion theinternal mounting structure of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10A illustrates a mirror assembly with apertures according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B illustrates an exploded view of the mirror assembly from FIG.10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A mirror assembly 10 having an internal mounting structure 12constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosuremay be best understood by referring to FIG. 1. Although the internalmounting structure 12 may be used with any suitable mirror assembly, anexemplary embodiment of the mirror assembly 10 includes a chassis 18 anda framed or frameless mirror platform 14, wherein the internal mountingstructure 12 secures the mirror platform 14 to the chassis 18.

The mirror platform 14 includes a first substantially reflective surface22, a second non-reflective, rear surface 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), andone or more translucent back lit portions 26. The one or moretranslucent back lit portions 26 have minimal reflectivity, and areformed from any suitable material, such as frosted glass, acid etchedglass, or clear glass. The translucent back lit portions 26 allow lightemitted from one or more light sources 34 disposed within the chassis 18to pass through the mirror platform 14. The number, configuration, andarrangements of translucent back lit portions 26 can be varied toachieve different lighting effects. As a non-limiting example, thetranslucent back lit portions 26 are configured as a single, continuousportion extending around the perimeter of the mirror platform 14.

The chassis 18 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 14 and mount themirror platform 14 to a wall W. The chassis 18 also houses any mirrorelectrical components, such as the light sources 34, electrical ballasts36, and a power cover 38 for a terminal box (not shown). Although thechassis 18 may be any suitable design that can properly support themirror electrical components and mount the mirror platform 14 to a wallW, an exemplary embodiment of the chassis 18 includes a major surface 28that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to the mirrorplatform 14, which may be rectangular, round, oval, or any othersuitable shape. The major surface 28 is positionable in a parallelrelationship to the mirror platform 14 when the chassis 18 is engagedwith the mirror platform 14.

The electrical components, such as the light sources 34, electricalballasts 36, and power cover 38 are preferably secured to the chassismajor surface 28 in any suitable manner. For instance, the light sources34 may be secured around the perimeter of the major surface 28 through aplurality of L-shaped lamp brackets 40. The lamp brackets 40 are securedto the chassis major surface 28 with any suitable fastener, such asscrews or an adhesive. The electrical ballasts 36 and power cover 38 aresecured directly to the chassis major surface 28 with suitable fastenerssuch as screws, adhesive, etc.

The chassis 18 further includes an outer edge section 30 extendingaround the perimeter of the chassis major surface 28. The outer edgesection 30 extends a predetermined distance from the chassis majorsurface 28 in a substantially transverse manner. When the chassis 18 ismounted to the mirror platform 14, the outer edge section 30 extendsbetween the chassis major surface 28 and the mirror rear surface 24 toenclose any electrical components mounted within the chassis 18 anddefine a mirror assembly interior having a volume. The volume of themirror assembly interior is defined by the mirror rear surface 24, theouter edge section 30, and the chassis major surface 28. It should beappreciated that the outer edge section 30 may include apertures 1000,as illustrated in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, such that light radiating fromthe light sources 34 radiates through the plurality of apertures 1000 toilluminate the surroundings of the mirror assembly 10. Light radiatingthrough the plurality of apertures 1000 is indicated at 1002, asillustrated in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the internal mounting structure 12 adapted tosecure the mirror platform 14 to the chassis 18 will now be described indetail. The internal mounting structure 12 includes first and secondhanger members, or first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 that arepreferably L-shaped. The first hanger bracket 42 includes a first leg 50secured to the mirror rear surface 24 in any suitable manner, such aswith adhesive, and a second leg 52 extending outwardly and substantiallytransversely therefrom. Likewise, the second hanger bracket 46 includesa first leg 56 secured to the mirror rear surface 24 in any suitablemanner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 58 extending outwardlyand substantially transversely therefrom.

The first hanger bracket 42 is secured to an upper portion of the mirrorplatform 14 with the second leg positioned in a substantially horizontalmanner and the first leg 50 extending downwardly from the second leg 52.The second hanger bracket 46 secured to a bottom portion of the mirrorplatform 14 with the second leg 58 positioned in a substantiallyhorizontal manner and the first leg 56 extending upwardly from thesecond leg 58.

The first hanger bracket 42 includes first and second openings or slots62 and 64 formed in the second leg 52. The first slot 62 is formed nearone end of the second leg 52, and the second slot 64 is formed at theopposite end of the second leg 52. The second hanger bracket 46 alsoincludes an opening or slot 66 formed in substantially the center of thesecond leg 58.

The internal mounting structure 12 further includes first and secondsupport members, or support brackets 70 and 80 that are also preferablyL-shaped. The first support bracket 70 includes a first leg 72 securedto the chassis major surface 28 in any suitable manner, such as withadhesive, and a second leg 74 extending outwardly and substantiallytransversely therefrom. The first support bracket 70 is secured to a topportion of the chassis major surface 28 with the second leg 74positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and the first leg 72extending downwardly from the second leg 74.

The first support bracket 70 includes first and second protrusions, orposts 76 and 78 extending outwardly and upwardly from the second leg 74.The first and second posts 76 and 78 are positioned near each end of thesecond leg 74 to fit within the first and second slots 62 and 64 formedwithin the first hanger bracket 42.

The second support bracket 80 is defined by an L-shaped lamp bracket 40having a first leg 82 secured to the chassis major surface 28 in anysuitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 84 extendingoutwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. The second supportbracket 80 is secured to a bottom portion of the chassis major surface28 with the second leg 84 positioned in a substantially horizontalmanner and the first leg 82 extending upwardly from the second leg 84.The second support bracket 80 includes a protrusion, or post 86extending upwardly from substantially the center of the second leg 84that is adapted to fit within the opening 66 formed in the second hangerbracket 46.

The first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 are secured to the mirrorrear surface 24 such that they are disposed within the mirror assemblyinterior when the mirror platform 14 is secured to the chassis 18.Likewise, the first and second support brackets 70 and 80 are secured tothe chassis 18 such that they are disposed within the mirror assemblyinterior when the mirror platform 14 is secured to the chassis 18. Inthis manner, when the first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 aresecured to the first and second support brackets 70 and 80, as will bedescribed below, the brackets 42, 46, 70, and 80 are not exposed,thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing mirror assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the manner in which the internal mountingstructure 12 is used to secure the mirror platform 14 to the chassis 18will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the chassis 18 is firstsecured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that the outer edgesection 30 extends outwardly from the wall W. Moreover, the chassis 18is positioned on the wall W such that the first support bracket 70 ispositioned above the second support bracket 80, and both the first andsecond support brackets 70 and 80 are positioned substantiallyhorizontally on the wall W.

The mirror platform 14 is then positioned substantially parallel to themajor surface 28 of the chassis 18, with the first and second hangerbrackets 42 and 46 positioned slightly above the first and secondsupport brackets 70 and 80. More specifically, the second leg 52 of thefirst hanger bracket 42 is positioned above the second leg 74 of thefirst support bracket 70, and the second leg 58 of the second hangerbracket 46 is positioned slightly above the second leg 84 of the secondsupport bracket 80.

The mirror platform 14 is then moved towards the chassis 18 until thefirst and second slots 62 and 64 of the first hanger bracket 42 arepositioned above the first and second posts 76 and 78 of the firstsupport bracket 70 (only the first slot 62 and first post 76 are shownin FIG. 2 for clarity). Moreover, the slot 66 of the second hangerbracket 46 is positioned above the post 86 of the second support bracket80. The mirror platform 14 is then lowered until the second leg 52 ofthe first hanger bracket 42 engages second leg 74 of the first supportbracket 70, and the second leg 58 of the second hanger bracket 46engages the second leg 84 of the second support bracket 80. Moreover,the posts 76, 78, and 86 are received within slots 62, 64, and 66,respectively.

With the first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 resting on the firstand second support brackets 70 and 80, the mirror platform 14 is securedon the chassis 18. Moreover, with posts 76, 78, and 86 received withinslots 62, 64, and 66, the first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 areprevented from sliding off the first and second support brackets 70 and80. Furthermore, the third and fourth brackets 70 are positioned in thechassis 18 such that when the posts 76, 78, and 86 of the first andsecond hanger brackets 42 and 46 are received within slots 62, 64, and66, the mirror platform 14 is aligned with the chassis 18. Morespecifically, the mirror platform 14 is positioned against the chassis18 such that the outer edges of the mirror platform 14 substantiallyalign the outer edges of the chassis 18. However, it should beappreciate that if the mirror platform 14 and chassis 18 were notsubstantially similar in shape and size, the mirror platform 14 mayinstead be positioned on the chassis 18 in any other suitable manner.

To disassemble the mirror assembly 10, the mirror platform 14 is lifteduntil the posts 76, 78, and 86 of the first and second hanger brackets42 and 46 are no longer received within slots 62, 64, and 66. The mirrorplatform 14 is thereafter moved away from the chassis 18. Thus, themirror assembly 10 can be both assembled and disassembled in an easymanner.

The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of therear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger membermounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and thechassis. FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, illustrate the hanger member 42with the mirror platform 22 and the support member 70 with the chassis18. FIG. 1B, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3B illustrate the support member 70 withthe mirror platform 22, and hanger member 42 with the chassis 18.Similarly, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, illustrate the hanger member 46with the mirror platform 22 and the support member 80 with the chassis18. FIG. 1B, FIG. 28, and FIG. 31 illustrate the support member 80 withthe mirror platform 22 and hanger member 46 with the chassis 18.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first alternate embodiment of a mirror assembly110 having an internal mounting structure 112 (see FIGS. 5 and 6)includes a framed or frameless mirror platform 114 and a chassis 118.The mirror platform 114 includes a first substantially reflectivesurface 122, a second non-reflective, rear surface 124 (see FIGS. 5 and6), and one or more translucent back lit portions 126, similar to mirrorplatform 14.

The mirror assembly 110 may include several electrical componentsdisposed between the mirror platform 114 and the chassis 118. Forinstance, the mirror assembly 110 may include a plurality of lightsources 134 and electrical ballasts 136 received within the chassis 118.Furthermore, a media display device 138 and mirror defogger devices 132may be secured to the mirror rear surface 124 of the mirror platform114. The electrical components may be secured to the chassis 118 andmirror platform 114 in any suitable manner, such as with brackets,fasteners, adhesive, etc.

The chassis 118 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 114 and securethe mirror platform 114 to a wall W. The chassis 118 includes a majorsurface 128 that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to themirror platform 114. The major surface 128 is positionable in asubstantially parallel relationship to the mirror platform 114 when thechassis 118 is engaged with the mirror platform 114. The chassisincludes an outer edge section 130 that extends outwardly from the majorsurface 128 in a substantially transverse manner around the perimeter ofthe chassis major surface 128. The outer edge section 130 extends apredetermined distance such that when the chassis 118 is mounted to themirror platform 114, the outer edge section 130 extends between thechassis major surface 128 and the mirror rear surface 124 to define amirror assembly interior having a volume and encloses any electricalcomponents therein. The volume of the mirror assembly interior isdefined by the mirror rear surface 124, the outer edge section 130, andthe chassis major surface 128.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the internal mounting structure 112 will nowbe described in detail. The internal mounting structure 112 is definedin part by the chassis 118. The chassis 118 includes an opening 140formed in the chassis major surface 128 that is preferably the sameshape as the major surface 128, such as rectangular. An outwardlyextending member, or inner edge section 142 extends from the majorsurface 128 in a substantially transverse manner around the perimeter ofthe opening 140. The inner edge section 142 extends a predetermineddistance such that when the chassis 118 is mounted to the mirrorplatform 114, the inner edge section 142 extends almost entirely betweenthe chassis major surface 128 and the non-reflective surface 124 of themirror platform 114.

The inner edge section 142 defines upper and lower inner edge sections144 and 146 that are formed near the top and bottom of the chassis 118,respectively, and positioned substantially parallel to one another. Theupper and lower inner edge sections 144 and 146 act as first and secondsupport members adapted to receive the first, second, and third brackets162, 164, and 166 thereon. First and second posts 156 and 158 extendupwardly and substantially transversely from the lower inner edgesection 146 (see also FIG. 6).

The chassis 118 further includes a flange section 160 that extendsoutwardly and substantially transversely from the inner edge section 142away from opening 140. As such, the flange section 160 is substantiallyparallel to the chassis major surface 128. The flange section 160defines upper and lower flanges 148 and 150 on the upper and lower inneredge sections 144 and 146. First and second protrusions, or tabs 152 and154 extend upwardly from the upper flange 148 in the same plane as theupper flange 148.

The internal mounting structure 112 further includes first, second, andthird hanger members, or hanger brackets 162, 164, and 166. The firsthanger bracket 162 includes a mounting portion 170 and a lip portion 172formed along a top edge of the mounting portion 170. The mountingportion 170 is secured to an upper portion of the mirror rear surface124 in a substantially horizontal manner with any suitable means, suchas with an adhesive. The lip portion 172 is adapted to fit over theupper flange 148 of the chassis 18 and secure the mirror platform 14 tothe chassis 18. The lip portion 172 also includes first and secondopenings or slots 172 and 176 that are adapted to receive the first andsecond tabs 152 and 154 of the chassis therein for aligning the mirrorplatform 114 on the chassis 118 as described above with respect tomirror assembly 10.

The second and third hanger brackets 164 and 166 are each preferablyL-shaped. The second hanger bracket 164 includes a first leg 180 securedto the mirror rear surface 124 in any suitable manner, such as withadhesive, and a second leg 182 extending outwardly and substantiallytransversely therefrom. Likewise, the third hanger bracket 166 includesa first leg 184 secured to the mirror rear surface 124 in any suitablemanner and a second leg 186 extending outwardly and substantiallytransversely therefrom. The second hanger bracket 164 includes anopening or slot 188 formed in its second leg 182, and the third hangerbracket 166 includes an opening or slot 190 formed in its second leg186.

The second hanger bracket 164 is secured to a bottom portion of themirror platform 114 on one side of the mirror platform 114 with thesecond leg 182 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg 180 extending upwardly from the second leg 182. The thirdhanger bracket 166 is secured to a bottom portion of the mirror platform114 on a second side of the mirror platform 114 with the second leg 186positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and the first leg 184extending upwardly from the second leg 186.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the manner in which the internal mountingstructure 112 is used to secure the mirror platform 114 to the chassis118 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the chassis 118 is firstsecured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that the edge section130 extends outwardly from the wall W and the upper and lower inner edgesections 144 and 146 are positioned substantially horizontally on thewall W.

The mirror platform 114 is then positioned substantially parallel to thechassis major surface 128, with the first hanger bracket 162 positionedslightly above the upper inner edge section 144 and the second and thirdbrackets 164 and 166 positioned slightly above the lower inner edgesection 146. More specifically, the lip portion 172 of the first hangerbracket 162 is positioned above the upper flange 148, and the secondlegs 182 and 186 of the second and third brackets 164 and 166 arepositioned above the lower inner edge section 146.

The mirror platform 114 is then moved towards the chassis 118 until thefirst and second slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162 arepositioned above the first and second tabs 152 and 154 formed on theupper flange 148. Moreover, the slot 188 and 190 of the second and thirdbrackets 164 and 166 are positioned above the first and second posts 156and 158 on the lower inner edge section 146. The mirror platform 114 isthen lowered until the lip portion 172 of the first hanger bracket 162is received on the upper flange 148, and the second legs 182 and 186 ofthe second and third brackets 164 and 166 engage the lower inner edgesection 146 of the chassis 118. Moreover, the tabs 152 and 154 arereceived within the slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162,and the posts 156 and 158 are received within the slots 188 and 190 ofthe second and third brackets 164 and 166.

With the first hanger bracket 162 hanging on the upper flange 148 andthe second and third brackets 164 and 166 resting on the lower innerflange section 146, the mirror platform 114 is secured on the chassis118. Moreover, with tabs 152 and 154 received within slots 174 and 176of the first hanger bracket 162, and posts 156 and 158 received withinslots 188 and 190 of the second and third brackets 164 and 166, thefirst, second, and third brackets 162, 164, and 166 are prevented fromsliding off the upper flange 148 and the lower inner edge section 146.

Moreover, the tabs 152 and 154 and slots 174 and 176 are positioned onthe chassis 118 such that when the tabs 152 and 154 are received withinthe slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162, and the posts 156and 158 are received within the slots 188 and 190 of the second andthird brackets 164 and 166, the mirror platform 114 is aligned with thechassis 118 as described above with respect to mirror assembly 10.Moreover, with the first, second, and third hanger brackets 162, 164,and 166 positioned to engage the upper and lower inner edge sections 144and 146 defined on the interior of the chassis, the components of theinternal mounting structure 12 are disposed within the mirror assemblyinterior when the mirror platform 114 is secured to the chassis 18.

To disassemble the mirror assembly 110, the mirror platform 114 islifted until the tabs 152 and 154 are no longer received within slots174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162 and the posts 156 and 158are no longer received within the slots 188 and 190 of the second andthird brackets 164 and 166. The mirror platform 114 is thereafter movedaway from the chassis 118. Thus, the mirror assembly 110 can be bothassembled and disassembled in an easy manner.

Referring to FIG. 7, a second alternate embodiment of the mirrorassembly 210 having an internal mounting structure 212 (see FIGS. 8 and9) includes a framed or frameless mirror platform 214 and a chassis 218.The mirror platform 214 includes a first substantially reflectivesurface 222, a second nonreflective, rear surface 224 (see FIGS. 8 and9), and one or more translucent backlit portions 226, similar to mirrorplatforms 14 and 114.

The mirror assembly 210 may include several electrical componentsdisposed between the mirror platform 214 and the chassis 218. Forinstance, the mirror assembly 210 may include a plurality of lightsources 234, at least one electrical ballast 236, and a power cover 238for a terminal box (not shown). The electrical components are preferablysecured to a portion of the chassis 218 in any suitable manner, such aswith a plurality of brackets, fasteners, adhesive, etc.

The chassis 218 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 214 and securethe mirror platform 214 to a wall W. The chassis 218 includes a majorsurface 228 that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to themirror platform 214. The major surface 228 is positionable in asubstantially parallel relationship to the mirror platform 214 when thechassis 218 is engaged with the mirror platform 214. The chassis 218includes an outer edge section 230 that extends outwardly from the majorsurface 228 in a substantially transverse manner around the perimeter ofthe chassis major surface 228. When the chassis 218 is mounted to themirror platform 214, the outer edge section 230 extends between thechassis major surface 218 and the mirror rear surface 224 to enclose anyelectrical components and define and mirror assembly interior.

Referring still to FIG. 7, the internal mounting structure 212 will nowbe described in detail. The internal mounting structure 212 includesfirst and second hanger members or first and second hanger brackets 242and 246 that are preferably L-shaped. The first hanger bracket 242includes a first leg 250 secured to the mirror rear surface 224 in anysuitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 252 extendingoutwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, the secondhanger bracket 246 includes a first leg 256 secured to the mirror rearsurface 224 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a secondleg 258 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom.

The first hanger bracket 242 includes first and second openings or slots260 and 262 formed in the second leg 252. The first slot 260 is formednear one end of the second leg 252, and the second slot 262 is formed atthe opposite end of the second leg 252. The second hanger bracket 246also includes first and second openings or slots 264 and 266 formed inthe second leg 258. The first and second slots 264 and 266 formed in thesecond leg 258 of the second hanger bracket 246 are formed on oppositeends of the second leg 258.

The first hanger bracket 242 is secured to an upper portion of themirror platform 214 with the second leg 252 positioned in asubstantially horizontal manner and the first leg 250 extendingdownwardly from the second leg 252. The second hanger bracket 246 issecured to a bottom portion of the mirror platform 214 with the secondleg 258 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner the first leg256 extending downwardly from the second leg 258.

The internal mounting structure 212 further includes first, second,third, and fourth support members, or hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274secured to the chassis major surface 228 and extending outwardlytherefrom. The hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are positioned on thechassis major surface 228 such that each hook is located near a cornerof the chassis major surface 228. Moreover, the first and second hooks268 and 270 are located in substantially the same first horizontalplane, and the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274 are located insubstantially the same second horizontal plane.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the first and third hooks 268 and 272 having ahorizontal portion 276 extending substantially transversely andoutwardly from the chassis major surface 228 and a vertical portion 278extending upwardly and substantially transversely from the end of thehorizontal portion 276. The second and fourth hooks 270 and 274 includessimilar horizontal and vertical portions. The vertical portion 278 ofthe first and second hooks 268 and 270 are receivable within the firstand second slots 260 and 262 of the first hanger bracket 242. Similarly,the vertical portion 278 of the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274 arereceivable within the first and second slots 264 and 266 of the secondhanger bracket 246.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the manner in which the internal mountingstructure 212 is used to secure the mirror platform 214 to the chassis218 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the chassis 218 is firstsecured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that the outer edgesection 230 extends outwardly from the wall W. Moreover, chassis 218 ispositioned on the wall W such that the first and second hooks 268 and270 are positioned above the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274.

The mirror platform 214 is then positioned substantially parallel to thechassis major surface 228, with the first hanger bracket 242 positionedslightly above the first and second hooks 268 and 270, and the secondhanger bracket 246 positioned slightly above the third and fourth hooks272 and 274. More specifically, the second leg 252 of the first hangerbracket 242 is positioned above the first and second hooks 268 and 270,and the second leg 258 of the second hanger bracket 246 is positionedslightly above the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274.

The mirror platform 214 is then moved toward the chassis 218 until thefirst and second slots 260 and 262 of the first hanger bracket 242 arepositioned above the vertical portions 278 of the first and second hooks268 and 270. The first and second slots 264 and 266 of the second hangerbracket 246 are also positioned above the vertical portions 278 of thethird and fourth hooks 272 and 274. The mirror platform 214 is thenlowered until the vertical portions 278 of the first, second, third, andfourth hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are received within slots 260, 262,264, and 266, respectively. As such, the first and second hangerbrackets 242 and 246 are hung on hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274, therebysecuring the mirror platform 214 on the chassis 218.

The first, second, third, and fourth hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 arepositioned on the chassis major surface 228 such that the first andsecond hanger brackets 242 and 246, and therefore the mirror platform214, are aligned on the chassis 218 when the hooks 268, 270, 272, and274 are received within the slots 260, 262, 264, and 266. Moreover, thehooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are positioned on the chassis 218, and thefirst and second hanger brackets 242 and 246 are positioned on themirror rear surface 224 such that the hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 andbrackets 242 and 246 are disposed within the mirror assembly interior.

To disassemble the mirror assembly 210, the mirror platform 214 islifted until the hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are no longer receivedwithin slots 260, 262, 264, and 266 of the first and second hangerbrackets 242 and 246. The mirror platform 214 is thereafter moved awayfrom the chassis 218. Thus, the mirror assembly 210 can be bothassembled and disassembled in an easy manner.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Forinstance, it should be appreciated that any of the above mirrorassemblies 10, 110, and 210 may be suitably used with any of theinternal mounting structures 12, 112, and 212 described above. Thus, theforegoing description should be seen as descriptive and not limiting theclaimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mirror assembly mountable to a wall, the mirrorassembly comprising: (a) a mirror platform having a front surface and arear surface; (b) a chassis engageable with the mirror platform todefine a mirror assembly interior, the mirror assembly interior having avolume, the chassis is mountable to the wall, the chassis has a majorsurface, the major surface is planar and the major surface extendsaround an opening, the chassis further comprising: (1) an inner edgesection, the inner edge section extends outwardly and horizontallyaround a perimeter of the opening; and (2) an outer edge section, theouter edge section extends outwardly from the major surface: (c) atleast one electrical component disposed within the mirror assemblyinterior; and (d) a single mounting structure disposed within the volumeof the mirror assembly interior, the single mounting structure is notexposed when the mirror platform is engaged with the chassis, the singlemounting structure comprising: (i) a first hanger member, the firsthanger member extends from the chassis to provide a surface that extendsoutwardly from the major surface towards the rear surface and extendshorizontally within the mirror assembly interior, wherein a horizontaldimension of the first hanger member is greater than an outwarddimension of the first hanger member, the first hanger member is a firstportion of the inner edge section; and (ii) a first support member, thefirst support member extends outwardly from the rear surface, the firstsupport member provides a surface that extends horizontally within themirror assembly interior, a horizontal dimension of the first supportmember is greater than an outward dimension of the first support member,wherein the first support member is removably securable on the firsthanger member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis when the firstsupport member is lowered onto the first hanger member, whereby themirror platform is secured to the chassis.
 2. The mirror assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first hanger member has at least one opening. 3.The mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one opening is atleast one slot.
 4. The mirror assembly of claim 3, the first supportmember has at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one slot isconfigured to receive the at least one protrusion when the first supportmember is lowered onto the first hanger member.
 5. The mirror assemblyof claim 4, wherein the at least one protrusion extends downwardly fromthe first support member.
 6. The mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein theat least one protrusion is in a form of a post.
 7. The mirror assemblyof claim 2, the single mounting structure further comprising: a secondhanger member, the second hanger member extends outwardly from thechassis to provide a surface that extends from the major surface towardsthe rear surface and extends horizontally within the mirror assemblyinterior, wherein a horizontal dimension of the second hanger member isgreater than an outward dimension of the second hanger member, thesecond hanger member is a second portion of the inner edge section; anda second support member, the second support member extends outwardlyfrom the rear surface to provide a surface that extends horizontallywithin the mirror assembly interior, a horizontal dimension of thesecond support member is greater than an outward dimension of the secondsupport member, wherein the second support member is removably securableon the second hanger member to mount the mirror platform to the chassiswhen the second support member is lowered onto the second hanger member.8. The mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein the second hanger member hasan opening and the opening is a slot.
 9. The mirror assembly of claim 7,wherein the second hanger member is lower than the first hanger member,the horizontal dimension of the second hanger member is less than thehorizontal dimension of the first hanger member, the second supportmember is lower than the first support member and the horizontaldimension of the second support member is less than the horizontaldimension of the first support member.
 10. A mirror assembly mountableto a wall, the mirror assembly comprising: (a) a mirror platform havinga front surface and a rear surface; (b) a chassis engageable with themirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, the mirrorassembly interior having a volume, the chassis is mountable to the wall,the chassis has a major surface and the major surface extends around anopening, the chassis further comprising: (1) an inner edge section, theinner edge section extends outwardly and horizontally around a perimeterof the opening; and (2) an outer edge section, the outer edge sectionextends outwardly from the major surface; (c) at least one electricalcomponent disposed within the mirror assembly interior; and (d) a singlemounting structure disposed within the volume of the mirror assemblyinterior, the single mounting structure is not exposed when the mirrorplatform is engaged with the chassis, the single mounting structurecomprising: (i) a first support member, the first support member extendsfrom the chassis to provide a surface that extends outwardly from themajor surface towards the rear surface and extends horizontally withinthe mirror assembly interior, wherein a horizontal dimension of thefirst support member is greater than an outward dimension of the firstsupport member, the first support member is a first portion of the inneredge section; and (ii) a first hanger member, the first hanger memberextends outwardly from the rear surface, the first hanger memberprovides a surface that extends horizontally within the mirror assemblyinterior, a horizontal dimension of the first hanger member is greaterthan an outward dimension of the first hanger member, wherein the firsthanger member is removably securable on the first support member tomount the mirror platform to the chassis when the first hanger member islowered onto the first support member, whereby the mirror platform issecured to the chassis.
 11. The mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein thefirst hanger member has at least one opening and the at least oneopening is a slot.
 12. The mirror assembly of claim 11, the firstsupport member has at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusionextends upwardly from the first support member, wherein the at least oneslot is configured to receive the at least one protrusion when the firsthanger member is lowered onto the first support member.
 13. The mirrorassembly of claim 11, the single mounting structure further comprising:a second support member, the second support member extends outwardlyfrom the chassis to provide a surface that extends from the majorsurface towards the rear surface and extends horizontally within themirror assembly interior, a horizontal dimension of the second supportmember is greater than an outward dimension of the second supportmember, the second support member is a second portion of the inner edgesection; and a second hanger member, the second hanger member extendsoutwardly from the rear surface, the second hanger member provides asurface that extends horizontally within the mirror assembly interior,wherein a horizontal dimension of the second hanger member is greaterthan an outward dimension of the second hanger member, wherein thesecond hanger member is removably securable on the second support memberwhen the second hanger member is lowered onto the second support member,whereby the mirror platform is secured to the chassis.
 14. The mirrorassembly of claim 13, wherein the second hanger member has a first end,a second end, and an opening, the opening is located between the firstend and the second end wherein the opening is a slot.